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FREE FISHING DAYS FIRST WEEKEND IN JUNE

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:39:06 GMT

May 16, 2013

Residents and visitors can enjoy two days of free fishing in Kansas June 1-2

PRATT – The old adage “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” may be true 363 days out of the year, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is bucking that notion for two days by offering free fishing throughout the state June 1-2 . That’s right – free – no license will be required.

Anglers must still abide by all other fishing regulations set forth by KDWPT during the free fishing weekend, but anglers normally required to have fishing licenses, those age 16-74, do not need licenses June 1-2.

New Fishing Changes for 2013

Senior Fishing Licenses

Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, resident anglers age 65-74 are no longer exempt from fishing license requirements. Residents age 75 and older are still exempt.
Residents age 65-74 are eligible for a lifetime hunting/fishing combination license at $42.50, an annual senior hunting/fishing combination license at $20.50, or an annual fishing license at $11.50 (half-price).

ANS-Designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing prohibited species such as Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters, and livewells and bilges must be drained before transporting boats from waters of the state. For more information about ANS, visit ProtectKSWaters.org.

Bait Fish

Wild-caught baitfish shall only be used on the body of water where taken, except that bluegill and green sunfish may be taken from a non-ANS-designated water and used for bait. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught baitfish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

Anglers who purchase bait from a commercial dealer are required to carry the receipt for the live baitfish purchase while fishing.

Handfishing Report No Longer Required

Handfishing permit holders are no longer required to return a questionnaire about their angling activities.

Artificial Lure Definition

An artificial lure is defined as a man-made fish-catching device used to mimic a single prey item. Artificial lures may be constructed of natural, non-edible, or synthetic materials. Multiple hooks, if present, shall be counted as a single hook on an artificial lure. Regulation allows only two baited hooks or artificial lures per rod. The umbrella rig, popularly called the Alabama Rig, may only have two separate lures with hooks.

For more information, including where to fish in Kansas and current fishing regulations, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing.”

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NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK KICKS OFF MAY 18

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:26:35 GMT

May 2, 2013

Boaters can follow these 10 steps for a safe and fun summer on the water

PRATT – National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, serves as a reminder that, in the midst of making summer memories, it’s easy to forget about the hazards of spending a day on the water. To ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable boating experience, here are 10 water safety tips for a successful summer.

1) Make sure your boat is properly registered.

Motorized boats and sailboats are required to be registered and properly numbered before being operated on Kansas public waters. Original registration papers must be on board and available for inspection. Registration numbers must be properly displayed on the boat’s hull.

2) Know the rules of the water.

Many people are unaware that there are operating rules for boats on the water, which include being able to recognize buoy markers and the proper use of navigation lights. Knowledge of these rules can prevent dangerous, and even deadly, situations.

3) Make sure your boat has all required equipment.

Boaters are required to have the following items at all times:

-Certificate Number

-Registration Decal

-U.S. Coast Guard Documentation

-Boating Education Certification

-Life Jackets

-Type IV PFD

-Sound Producing Device

-Ventilation

-Muffler

-Navigation Lights

-Fire Extinguisher

-Backfire Flame Arrestor

-Skier Down Flag

-Wide Angle Mirror/Observer

-Ignition Safety Switch

-Vessel Capacity Plate

-Hull ID Number

(Some equipment requirements are specific to the type and length of boat. Refer to boating regulations for more details).

In addition to the aforementioned required items, it is recommended that boaters also possess the following items:

-Drain plugs/spares

-First aid kit

-Anchor

-Paddle

-Tool kit

-Electrical tape/wire connectors

-Spare fuses

-Extra two-cycle oil

-Spare trailer light bulbs

-Extra life jackets

4) Install a carbon monoxide detector.

Dangerous levels of exhaust fumes can accumulate on board if proper precautions are not taken. Install a carbon monoxide detector on inboard and cabin motorboats to alert you if this “silent killer” should pose a threat to you and your family.

5) Test your equipment before hitting the water.

It is important to make sure that your equipment is in working order prior to leaving land. If an item needs replacing, it’s better to spend a little money now and save yourself trouble later.

Specific items to test include, but are not limited to:

-Outboard motor

-Trailer lights

-Batteries

-Electrical gear

-Safety gear

-Fire extinguisher

-Life jackets

6) Know CPR.

In addition to adult CPR, it is also important to learn infant and child CPR. Many local hospitals, fire departments, Red Cross offices, and recreation departments offer CPR training at little to no cost.

7) Designate a “water watcher” while playing in the water.

Regardless of a swimmer’s age or skill level, it’s always smart to have someone keep an open eye. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, it is wise to designate an adult as the water watcher for a specific amount of time to prevent lapses in supervision.

8) Have a life jacket on at all times.

Kansas law requires that all boats have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved, readily-accessible personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. Children age 12 or younger are required to wear a life jacket at all times when on board a boat, and it is recommended that adults do the same.

*To see if your life jackets meet current U.S. Coast Guard standards, visit www.uscgboating.org and click “Safety / Life Jacket Wear / Wearing your Life Jacket.”

9) Allow only those who have completed boater education to operate the vessel.

Anyone age 12-20 must have completed an approved boater education course before operating a vessel without the direct supervision of an adult. Approved adults include anyone age 18 or older who has completed the course or any adult age 21 or older.

*No one younger than 12 may operate a vessel without supervision regardless of a boater education certification.

10) Adhere to a “no drinking” policy while boating.

Boating under the influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving. Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms. To be on the safe side, only consume alcohol when on land, and never before operating your boat.

For more information, including a list of current boating regulations, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Boating.”

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GLEN ELDER TO HOST ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:18:10 GMT

May 16, 2013

Youngsters can hone angling skills and win prizes during Glen Elder youth fishing tournament

PRATT – It’s an unspoken rule among anglers that when lures hit the water, friendly competition should ensue. In an effort to bring some good ol’ fashioned summer fun to young anglers, Glen Elder State Park staff is hosting their 9th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder Reservoir, also known as Waconda Lake. The event will be held June 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., coinciding with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) free fishing weekend.

Participants will receive a new fishing pole, t-shirt, fishing tackle, and a free lunch.

The tournament is open to youth 7-14, and there is no fee to participate. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with boats hitting the water at 8:00 a.m. The tournament will conclude at 1:00 p.m., followed by lunch and an awards ceremony. Prizes will be awarded to youth who caught the biggest fish of a given species, and the youth who caught the most fish overall.

Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to call early and reserve a spot. For more information, or to sign-up for this event, contact KDWPT district fisheries biologist Scott Waters at (785) 545-3345.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP A SUMMER-MUST FOR YOUTH

Wed, 08 May 2013 22:03:12 GMT

May 9, 2013

Youth can discover the wonder of nature during a week-long summer camp June 2-7

PRATT– The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) and KSU Cooperative Extension Service will host the 25

^th

Annual Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC) June 2-7. This six-day summer camp for kids is open to youth age 10-12.

Held at Camp Wa Shun Ga in the Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City, the week-long camp allows youth to experience loads of outdoor fun with all the comforts of home including a dining hall, swimming pool and fully-enclosed cabins.

Campers will learn about the Kansas ecosystem, including mammals, insects, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Camp activities include wildlife watching, stargazing, scavenger hunts, swimming, canoeing, fishing, shooting sports, archery, and much more.

The cost of attendance is $300 and includes food, instruction and lodging. Participants are encouraged to bring extra money if they wish to purchase snacks or souvenirs during the Milford Hatchery and Nature Center field trips.

Space is limited, so interested parties are encouraged to register early.

Completed applications and payment should be mailed to Outdoor Adventure Camp, c/o Theresa Berger, 406 S. New York Ave., Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 no later than May 31.

Make checks payable to the Kansas Wildlife Federation.

For more information, or to obtain an application, contact Berger at (785) 526-7466.

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KDWPT LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION HOLDS K-9 RECERTIFICATION TRAINING

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:54:00 GMT

May 9, 2013

Four K-9 law enforcement teams recently took part in recertification training, an annual requirement of the unit

PRATT– The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Law Enforcement Division recently held its 11th annual K-9 recertification training, April 22-25 at Milford Reservoir, despite wintery conditions. This four-day training period is conducted each year to ensure that every dog and handler meets or exceeds current agency standards. For nearly 30 hours, each team partook in a variety exercises designed to mirror real-world scenarios and environments.

In order to successfully pass recertification training, each team must prove proficient in the following three areas:

Tracking

K9s and handlers must be able to continually track for a required distance, picking up on multiple scent articles along the trail. In order to create a realistic setting, each team had to combat a variety of challenges including dead ends, surface changes, multiple turns, and cross tracks.

Detection

In order to qualify in detection, each team is required to quickly and efficiently locate hidden wildlife both indoors and outdoors. Wildlife used in this training included deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, dove, and various waterfowl. These animals were hidden in and around buildings, boats, vehicles, coolers and other various locations.

Area Searches

To certify in area searches, each team is required to conduct an area search of a field, picking up a variety of hidden objects along the way. Hidden items included guns, shell casings, spotlights, wallets, cell phones, knives, back packs, and other items containing a human scent.

Those in attendance were LT. Jason Sawyers and the following K-9 teams:

–K-9 “Meg” and handler Lance Hockett

–K-9 “Lucy” and handler Jeff Goeckler

–K-9 “Cocoa” and handler Jake Brooke

–K-9 “Libby” and handler Ben Womelsdorf

For more information on the KDWPT K-9 unit, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Services/Law Enforcement/K-9 Unit.”

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GOVERNOR’S FLINT HILLS FREEDOM RIDE JUNE 1

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:48:20 GMT

May 9, 2013

Motorcyclists will travel Native Stone Scenic Byway and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway; benefit five worthy causes

TOPEKA– Governor Sam Brownback invites motorcyclists to join him for the Second Annual Governor’s Flint Hills Freedom Ride on Saturday, June 1. The 100-mile ride will begin in Topeka, travel along the Native Stone Scenic Byway and Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, and then end at Council Grove High School. The ride will benefit five worthy causes, including the Wounded Warrior Fund (Soldier and Family Assistance Center), Brothers in Blue Re-entry, Army Community Service at Fort Riley, the Native Stone Scenic Byway, and the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. The public is encouraged to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event.

On-site registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol, however online pre-registration is strongly encouraged to minimize delays at the event.

A group photo will be taken with the Governor at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Blessing of the Bikes and Riders at 9:45 a.m. Kickstands Up is at 10:00 a.m.

This year, the ride includes a bike show, which will begin setting up at 11:30 a.m. when the first riders arrive at Council Grove High School. At 2:00 p.m., Governor Brownback will honor veterans, Fort Riley soldiers and families for their dedication to freedom. The bike show, games, and entertainment will follow. The bikes will be judged from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and awards will be given out at 4:00 p.m.

A $25 fee per person is required to participate, and those pre-registered by May 15 will receive a Flint Hills Freedom Ride t-shirt. Additional t-shirts will be available the day of the ride on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants are asked to keep their receipts for gas and purchases the day of the ride and turn them in at Council Grove to be eligible for prizes.

Vendors are invited to set up at Council Grove High School. Electricity will not be available, but generators will be allowed. Corporate partnership opportunities are also available. Visit the website below for vendor and sponsorship information.

The partner groups organizing the ride include the Governor’s Office, Fort Riley; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Department of Corrections; Kansas Department of Transportation; Brothers in Blue Re-entry; members of the Council Grove community and community leaders; ABATE of Kansas; Wabaunsee County Economic Development; and Christian Motorcycle Alliance.

Complete ride details and registration are available online at fhfreedomride.ksoutdoors.com.

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2013 FISHING ATLAS NOW AVAILABLE

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:40:25 GMT

May 2, 2013

Kansas Fishing Atlas is one-stop shopping for anglers in search of the perfect fishing hole

PRATT – Packed with over 60 pages of detailed, easy-to-read maps, the 2013 Kansas Fishing Atlas is a must-have for any angler. In addition to maps of public waters, anglers can also find maps of Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) waters, Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP) leased properties, and lakes deemed as Family Friendly Facilities (FFF).

F.I.S.H.

F.I.S.H. sites are privately-owned ponds or streams the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has leased and opened to public fishing. These sites are numbered in red on each map.

CFAP

CFAP leases fishing rights for lakes operated by communities to ensure no additional fees are charged for anglers. More than 200 community lakes, covering nearly 13,000 acres, are enrolled in CFAP for 2013.

FFF

FFF lakes are alcohol-free fishing spots with flush toilets, regular security patrols, security lighting and easy accessibility, making them perfect for family fishing outings. FFF lakes are indicated on the list of CFAP-enrolled properties found at the front of the fishing atlas.

Anglers can obtain the 2013 Kansas Fishing Atlas from most KDWPT offices and license vendors, as well as online at www.ksoutdoors.com

To download an electronic version of the 2013 Kansas Fishing Atlas, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “KDWPT Info / Locations / Hunting & Fishing Maps by County / 2013 Fishing Atlas.”

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O.K. KIDS DAY TO BE HELD AT GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:34:11 GMT

May 2, 2013

Youngsters can learn about the invisible power of wind during “Winds Across Kansas” workshop

PRATT – Invisible, yet extremely powerful, wind is steadily becoming an important source of energy for many Kansas businesses. At the same rate, wind is also an integral part of existence for many wildlife, which is why the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, along with the Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) of Wichita, is hosting an O.K. Kids Day, “Winds Across Kansas.”

From 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, youngsters can enjoy a variety of activities including building a kite or birdhouse, archery practice, fishing at Chisholm Island Pond, and much more.

In addition to crafts and outdoor recreation, participants can also sit in on several animal presentations, as well as explore boats made of natural materials.

Event sponsors include the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, Coleman, Wichita Thunder, AmeriCorps, Cabela’s, NuStar Energy, and Natural Grocers.

Concessions will be made available for purchase at the event.

The GPNC is located at 6232 E 29th Street North, Wichita.

Participants do not need to pre-register, however those interested in fishing will need to register the day of the event.

For more information, including a complete list of scheduled activities, call (316) 683-5499 ext. 105, or visit www.gpnc.org.

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KWPT COMMISSION APPROVES REGULATIONS AND SEASONS

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:27:07 GMT

May 2, 2013

Commission votes on elk and antelope seasons

WICHITA – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission conducted a Public Hearing at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita on April 25. Commissioners listened to lively discussion during the afternoon Workshop Session concerning a recommendation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to prohibit the use of vehicles and radios for coyote hunting during the regular firearm deer season (Dec. 4-15 for 2013). The recommendation was intended to aide law enforcement officers curb illegal deer hunting. Coyote hunters attended the afternoon session to express their concerns about losing hunting opportunities. The recommendation will be discussed again at the commission’s June 27 meeting in Garden City.

During the Public Hearing, commissioners approved establishing short-term RV parking for a fee of $50 per month at Scott, Meade, Glen Elder, Kanopolis and Webster state parks.

Recommendations for standard season dates for 2013 elk and antelope seasons were approved.

For a complete listing of all 2013 hunting season dates, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting / When to Hunt.”

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PHEASANTS FOREVER BIOLOGISTS TO CONDUCT CRP WORKSHOPS

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:19:40 GMT

May 2, 2013

Pheasants Forever workshops to assist landowners in CRP enrollment

The Farm Service Agency will administer a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up May 20, 2013 through June 14, 2013. To get the word out about this sign-up period and to assist landowners in signing up, Kansas Pheasants Forever biologists will conduct a series of workshops across the state.

The workshops will be set up to answer any questions landowners have about CRP, as well as provide attendees with information on how they can improve their chances of getting accepted through the use of practices beneficial to wildlife. Several of the workshop locations are accepting walk-in customers and appointments to provide one-on-one, site-specific consultations. To find a Pheasants Forever CRP workshop near you, see the list below.

Landowners enrolled in the CRP program receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland. Land that is not currently enrolled in CRP can be offered during sign-up if all eligibility requirements are met. Contracts awarded during this general sign-up will become effective October 1, 2013.

The CRP program was first included in the 1985 Farm Bill to reduce soil erosion by taking land out of production and establishing permanent cover. At the time, it was estimated that topsoil was being lost at a rate of 3 billion tons per year due to erosion. Today’s CRP program has evolved to address issues of water quality, as well as wildlife habitat. In Kansas, CRP has reduced erosion, improved water and air quality, and provided more than 2 million acres of native grass habitat critical to prairie wildlife, including the lesser prairie chicken.

Abilene

USDA Service Center

May 6

2 p.m.

Atwood

Rawlins Co. USDA Service Center

May 21

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Belleville

USDA Service Center

May 27

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Belleville

USDA Service Center

May 28

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Beloit

USDA Service Center

May 20

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Beloit

USDA Service Center

May 21

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Burlington

Fairgrounds - Kelly Hall

May 17

10 a.m.

Clay Center

Fairgrounds 4-H Building

May 9

2 p.m.

Colby

Meadow Lake Golf Course

May 15

6:30 p.m.

Concordia

USDA Service Center

May 22

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Concordia

USDA Service Center

May 23

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Dighton

Lane County Courthouse

May 9

1 p.m.

Elkhart

Morton County NRCS/FSA

May 7

8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Frankfort

Frankfort Reg. Edu. Center

May 16

7 p.m.

Garden City

Finney Co. Fairgrounds

May 13

12 p.m.

Goodland

Sherman Co. USDA Service Center

May 13

9 a.m. MST/10 a.m. CST

Great Bend

Kansas Wetlands Education Center

May 14

9:30 a.m.

Hiawatha

Klinefelter Farm

May 15

6:00 p.m.

Holton

USDA Service Center

May 16

8 a.m.

Hoxie

Midwest Energy Community Room

May 14

8 a.m. CST

Hugoton

Stevens County NRCS/FSA

May 14

8 a.m.–2 p.m., 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Hugoton

Stevens County Fair Office

May 14

2:30 p.m.

Hugoton

Stevens County Fair Office

May 14

6 p.m.

Hutchinson

Hutchinson Public Library

May 9

2:30 p.m.

Jetmore

USDA Service Center

May 15

8 a.m.

Johnson

Stanton County NRCS/FSA

May 8

7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Lakin

Kearny County FSA/NRCS

May 17

7 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Liberal

Seward County NRCS/FSA

May 16

8am - 5pm

Liberal

Seward County Activity

May 16

6:00 p.m.

Mankato

Mankato USDA Service Center

May 29

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mankato

Mankato USDA Service Center

May 30

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Marion

Marion City Building Basement

May 8

1:00 p.m.

Ness City

USDA Service Center

May 17

8:00 a.m.

Norton

Norton County USDA Service Center

May 24

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Oberlin

Decatur County USDA Service Center

May 20

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saint John

Stafford County Annex

May 13

9 p.m.

Seneca

Seneca Free Library

May 14

6 p.m.

St. Francis

Cheyenne County USDA Service Center

May 22

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sublette

Haskell County NRCS/FSA

May 9

11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Ulysses

Grant County NRCS/FSA

May 9

9:00 a.m.

Ulysses

Grant County NRCS/FSA

May 15

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ulysses

Grant County 4-H Building

May 15

6:30 p.m.

Washington

1st National Bank

May 14

9:30 a.m.

Winfield

Cowley County USDA Service Center

May 23

9:00 a.m.

Winfield

Cowley County USDA Service Center

May 28

9:00 a.m.

Yates Center

County Fairgrounds - Bressner Hall

May 17

2:00 p.m.

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